Class of 2017 Downtown Raleigh Field Trip (January 9)

On stage at the Red Hat Amphitheater

Our first field trip of the year ended up being on one of the chillier days of the school year, but after a short wait for the R-Line bus, we were able to spend much of our time indoors (and much warmer) with some great leaders in Downtown Raleigh. Raleigh Convention Center associate director Doug Grissom was a fantastic host for our whole trip downtown and we cannot thank him enough for helping organize this great experience.

Behind-the-scenes tour of the Raleigh Convention Center

First up, we had a discussion with Tori Collins, associate director of the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance, about how the GRSA works with other local entities to attract professional, NCAA, youth, and recreational sports events to the Triangle area. Collins shared what venues and facilities Raleigh can offer as a host and what goes into the bidding process to land an event in Raleigh. Tori also talked about the positive and negative impacts that these events have on Raleigh, including the increased tax revenue from tourists. She even shared a bit about how she ended up in her current role with the GRSA, including her experience working with the Nokia Sugar Bowl.

On stage at the Red Hat Amphitheater

Next, Taylor Traversari, manager of the Red Hat Amphitheater, met with us to ask students which acts they'd like to see perform in downtown Raleigh--after all, high school students are part of his target market. He answered questions about why certain artists are booked at the venue, while others may end up playing Walnut Creek or passing by the Raleigh market entirely. Taylor explained the logistics involved in hosting these concerts and other events, like the recent Life in Color paint party, and then took us outside for a view from the amphitheater stage. On the way, Doug Grissom gave us a tour of the convention center floor and ballroom, as well as the huge commercial kitchen, underground parking and loading area, and other behind-the-scenes spots.

On stage at the Red Hat Amphitheater

After the amphitheater, we swung by the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts to take a peek at Memorial Auditorium and the other venues within the complex. Doug explained a little about the operations involved in each, as well as the vast number of events held there each year.

Taking a seat at Sono's sushi bar

We then met up with Gaurav "G" Patel, the owner and president of Eschelon Experiences. G first took us on a tour through Eschelon's three restaurants along Fayetteville Street and shared terrific insight into the concept and design of each, down to the smallest detail. Students seemed particularly impressed with the bathrooms at Eschelon's newest venture, Zinda.

Passing through The Oxford's kitchen

Finally, after a look at The Oxford's kitchen, we sat down for a delicious lunch at the British pub while G fielded questions about the restaurant business. G shared stories about his background and successes as a young entrepreneur, leaving our students on an inspirational note. If you're interested in finding out more about G, The Walter recently published a great profile that's well worth reading. 

Lunchtime Q&A with G Patel

Lunchtime Q&A with G Patel

Lunchtime Q&A with G Patel